Monday News Brief

Written by on July 28, 2025

Hochul Addresses School Phone Ban at Genesee County Fair

In Batavia Thursday, Governor Kathy Hochul addressed growing concerns about New York’s new school smart device ban, set to take full effect this fall. The policy will prohibit phones, smartwatches, and tablets during the entire school day.
Hochul told Joanne Beck with The Batavian she once questioned the need for a ban—until speaking with students and superintendents statewide. She says phones are fueling anxiety, isolation, and classroom disruption.
“Kids are distracted, not forming relationships, and their mental health is suffering. Schools have become silent,” Hochul said.
She pointed to a study showing 74% of teachers say phones have damaged the student-teacher connection.
On emergency concerns, she assured parents that schools must have communication plans in place, and law enforcement supports limiting student phone use during crises.
“They need to focus on their teacher, not texting or videoing,” Hochul added.
New York becomes the largest state to implement such a ban—following similar moves in several Republican-led states.

Kingdom Bound

Kingdom Bound kicks off today at Six Flags Darien Lake and runs through July 30th! It’s more than just a music festival—it’s a three-day celebration of faith, family, and fun.
Enjoy performances by top Christian artists like Anne Wilson, Skillet, and Matthew West, plus powerful speakers, worship sessions, and full access to the amusement and water park.
For tickets and details, visit kingdombound.org.

Gates Shooting Update

13WHAM News reports, Gates police are searching for a suspect after a deadly shooting Monday afternoon at the Wegmans warehouse on Brooks Avenue. Officers responded around 4:15 p.m. and found a man in his twenties dead at the scene.
Police Chief Robert Long says the suspect fled and there is no ongoing threat to the public or nearby airport.
“Unfortunately, just like any other community, violence can happen,” said Long. “It’s very uncommon here.”
This comes just two days after a separate fatal shooting outside the Amazon facility in Gates. Police do not believe the two incidents are connected.
Wegmans says they’re heartbroken by the loss and are supporting both employees and law enforcement. The victim’s name has not been released.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911, Gates Police, or Crime Stoppers at 585-423-9300.

Eagle Drawing Contest Winners

The Batavian awarded grand prizes Friday for its 3rd Annual Eagle Drawing Contest at the Genesee County Fair.
Seventeen-year-old Stella Kwiatek of Kendall won a Harley Benton ES-335-style guitar in the youth category, while Jim White of Stafford took home a $200 gift certificate to the Red Osier Landmark Restaurant.
Winners were chosen at random from top staff-selected entries. The Batavian supplied the guitar, and Red Osier donated the gift card as a promotional prize.

Oakfield Boxcar Derby

The third annual Boxcar Derby rolled through Oakfield on Saturday afternoon, with young racers competing down Bennett Avenue. Open to boys and girls ages 7 to 13, the event featured two divisions: ages 7 to 10 and 11 to 13.
The derby honors the memory of Suzanne “Sue” D’Alba — a beloved community volunteer and co-founder of both the Oakfield Betterment Committee and the Oakfield Labor Daze festival.
In the 7 to 10 age group, Elias Patnode captured first place, followed by Alex Puls in second and Robbie Weit in third. Elias crossed the finish line in style and celebrated the win with his grandfather, Lonnie Patnode, who said they’ve raced the same car since year one. Elias credits his car’s colors—and a little luck—for the victory.
In the 11 to 13 division, Callen Preston took first, with Forrest Franklin and Julia Castner finishing second and third. Organizer Scott D’Alba congratulated all the racers and families who made the event a continued community success.

Bridge

Love playing cards? Head to the Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia this afternoon for an afternoon of Bridge! The game runs from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Gallery Room at 19 Ross Street.
It’s a great way to meet fellow players and enjoy friendly competition. Registration is required—email ofa.dept@geneseeny.gov to sign up.
Bridge meets every Monday and Wednesday through mid-August. For more info, visit RichmondLibrary.org.

Results from Batavia Downs

Opening night at Batavia Downs brought big excitement Saturday as the New York Sire Stakes returned, highlighted by a $121,800 race for 3-year-old pacing fillies. The star of the night was The Last Martini, rode by Jason Bartlett, who cruised to a commanding win in 1:53.2—her fastest mile ever on a half-mile track.
Bartlett also swept two $20,000 Excelsior Series divisions and added two overnight wins, finishing the night with five victories and a stellar .926 UDR.
In the local $13,500 Open Pace, Saratoga shipper Natameri dominated in 1:53.1, the fastest mile of the season so far.
Live racing resumes this Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Batavia Downs. Catch free programs and livestream at bataviadownsgaming.com.

Muckdogs

The Batavia Muckdogs closed out the regular season with a dominant weekend. On Friday, they crushed the Geneva Red Wings 14-4, then returned home Saturday to beat the Elmira Pioneers 7-1.
Sunday’s finale was a showdown for the Western Division title against the Jamestown Tarp Skunks—and the Muckdogs came out on top, winning 4-1 and finishing the season at 31-13-1.
Their playoff opponent will be announced soon—stay tuned!


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